Digital Scales come in all shapes and sizes and for an enormous variety of applications. Selecting the correct scale for your needs and budget can be difficult. For this reason, our scientists have created a list of 7 key criteria you should consider when searching for your digital scale.
About Digital Scales
Digital scales have grown in popularity over the last decade and have rapidly replaced traditional analogue-style devices. Compared to their analogue predecessors, digital scales offer:
- Higher levels of accuracy
- Greater flexibility
- Enhanced functions and user-friendly features; and
- They are quick and convenient to use, providing easy-to-interpret measurements.
Common Scale Applications
These include:
- Kitchen and food preparation
- Laboratories
- Postage and shipping
- Lapidary and jewellery making; and
- Parts counting and inventory control.
Key Criteria When Buying a Digital Scale
1. Capacity: Capacity refers to the maximum weight a scale is capable of accurately displaying. Make sure the instrument you are considering is capable of doing the job!
2. Resolution: Resolution is the smallest increment in applied weight that can be detected or displayed on your digital scale.
3. Weighing Units: That is, the units your scale uses to measure and display information. Do you relate to metric or imperial measurements – or do you need application-specific units like carats, grain or tola?
4. Dimensions: Consider both the overall footprint of your scale and the weighing pan’s dimensions. You want your scale to fit your designated spaces. On the other hand, the weighing pan’s size will limit the size of any object you wish to weigh.
5. Water/Dust Protection: If your application involves taking measurements in damp or dusty environments, it would be worth considering a scale with a suitable IP (ingress protection) rating.
6. Communication: Do you need to collect, store or print weight data? Some scales have USB and RS232 interfaces for transferring data to a computer or printer.
7. Power Supply: Battery-powered scales work well in environments scale portability is needed. Choosing an AC powered model will ensure continuous operation.
So what scale best suits your application?
Digital Scales Examples
Check out the variety of devices selected by our scientists to get a better idea of your needs.
The pocket-sized IC7259 is an ultra-compact solution for weighing small items.
Key features:
The unit features an ultra-small footprint, a built-in cover, an included calibration test weight, and a large backlit LCD to make viewing results easy.
Typical Applications:
- Small ingredient weighing
- Lapidary and jewellery making; and
- Most general weighing applications of up to 200g.
Specifications:
Capacity: 200g
Resolution: 0.01g
Weighing Units: Grams, carats, ounces and pennyweight.
Dimensions: Footprint: 93(L) x 52(W) x 20(D)mm. Pan: 50mm x 35 mm
Water/Dust Protection: N/A
Communication: N/A
Power Supply: 2 x AA batteries.
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The highly popular IC-7264 is a genuinely versatile benchtop scale with multiple weighing functions and units.
 Key features:
The IC-7264 digital scale includes a draft shield, bubble level, backlit LCD, 13 weighing units and a count function to suit many applications.
Typical Applications:
Ideal for use in;
- Small kitchens
- Lapidary and jewellery making; and
- Small inventory control.
Specifications:
Capacity: 1kg
Resolution: 0.01g
Weighing Units: Gram, Carat, Pound, Ounces Dram, Grain, Troy Ounce, Pennyweight, Momme, Japanese Tael, Taiwan Tael, Hong Kong Tael and Tola.
Dimensions: Footprint: 175(W) x 75(H) x 260(D)mm, Pan: 140mm diameter
Water/Dust Protection: N/A
Communication: N/A
Power Supply: Mains powered (adapter included) with 4 x AA battery backup (not included).
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The IC-SW-30 digital scale is designed to handle heavy-duty kitchen use.
Key features:
The unit features a rugged stainless steel platform, is IP65 rated waterproof, includes three intuitive mechanical keys and has an extra-large 25mm backlit LCD screen.
Typical Applications:
The combination of water and dust resistance, high capacity and the extra-large display make the IC-SW-30 the perfect weighing tool for:
- Bakeries; and
- Commercial kitchens.
Specifications:
Capacity: 30kg
Resolution: 1g
Weighing Units: Kilograms and Pounds.
Dimensions: Footprint: 320 x 290 x 100 mm , Pan: 200 x 225 mm.
Water/Dust Protection: IP65
Communication: N/A
Power Supply: AC adapter (12V/500mA), internal rechargeable battery (6V/3.2Ah).
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The OHAUS SD is a robust portable bench scale created with affordability, utility, and everyday usage in mind.
Key features:
The IC-SD200L features a durable steel platform, a remote indicator with two tactile function keys, battery operation and flexible mounting capabilities for the LCD readout.
Typical Applications:
The extended capacity and large platform make the IC-SD200L ideal for:
- Mailrooms
- Shipping and receiving; and
- Various general commercial and industrial weighing applications.
Specifications:
Capacity: 200kg
Resolution: 0.1kg
Weighing Units: Kilogram and Pound
Dimensions: Footprint: 75 mm (H) x 520 mm (L) x 400 mm (W) Pan: 520 mm x 400 mm
Water/Dust Protection: N/A
Communication: N/A
Power Supply: AC adapter (included) or 3 C (LR14) batteries (not included).
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 Rugged, fast, and reliable, the Ranger 3000 is built with tough ABS housing and stainless steel platform.
Key features:
The IC-R31P15 boasts 210 hours of battery life, 3 LED checkweighing lights, auto shut-off, auto tare, built-in weigh-below hook, stainless steel platform and level indicator to ensure accurate, balanced measurements.
Typical Applications:
- Measuring incoming and outgoing shipments in warehouses
- Inventory tracking
- Bulk item measurement; and
- Weighing, mixing, counting and checking raw materials.
Specifications:
Capacity: 15kg
Resolution: 0.5g
Weighing Units: Gram, Kilogram, Ounce, Pound, and Pound: Ounce
Dimensions: Footprint: 311 mm (W) × 327 mm (L) × 117 mm (H) Pan: 300 × 225 mm
Water/Dust Protection: N/A
Communication: Easy access communication port including standard RS232 (included) and second RS232, USB or Ethernet (accessories sold separately)
Power Supply: 100 - 240 VAC / 50 - 60 Hz internal universal power supply, internal rechargeable lead-acid battery. 210 hours continuous use between recharges.
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The Final Word
With well over 500 digital scales and balances available at Instrument Choice, choosing the best device for your application can be a time-consuming task – if you let it. By following the key criteria we have listed above, you can find the perfect digital scale for your application more efficiently and with greater confidence.
Do you still need a hand choosing the correct digital scale for your application? Have a question about any of the products listed above? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist: Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.
